Producer Ahmed al-Sobky is still waiting for a conclusion to the development woes plaguing “al-Molhed” (The Atheist), by writer and media figure Ibrahim Eissa, which was postponed for about two weeks by a decision from the producer.
Film critic Tarek al-Shenawy noted on his personal Facebook that: “Producer Ahmed al-Sobky announced that he will release the film “al-Asheq” (The Lover), starring Ahmed Hatem, next Wednesday, which means that he will not release the film The Atheist, featuring the same star, soon.”
He assured that, “The Atheist is not banned from screening, as it has officially obtained the approval of the censorship. There is a verbal agreement with the producer to postpone the screening until objections on social media subside.”
The Atheist obtained the approval and permit to screen from the Censorship Authority for Artistic Works in January.
The film’s director, Mohamed al-Adl, said that the screening of the film was postponed and that he does not know the reason why, with the answer likely lies with the censor of artistic works.
According to the statements of the head of the censorship authority, Khaled Abdel-Jalil, there is no censorship problem regarding the film at all, as evidenced by the fact that its makers obtained a screening permit with an age rating of +16.
Sobky claimed that the screening in cinemas was postponed for two weeks due to problems in the editing process.
The postponement of the film’s screening comes amid calls to boycott “The Atheist” on the grounds that it undermines religious and moral principles.
